Google DeepMind, the artificial intelligence arm of Google, has agreed to enter formal talks at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service after London-based staff petitioned to be represented by trade unions amid concern about the use of its technology by US and Israeli defence and intelligence agencies.
The Guardian reports that several hundred workers at DeepMind’s London headquarters this month voted to make a bid to unionise and have asked to meet the Communications Workers Union and Unite.
Employees have signed hundreds of petitions since DeepMind dropped in 2025 a promise not to permit its technologies to be used in weapons or surveillance that violated international norms, and Google is facing a court challenge from a DeepMind researcher who alleges he was wrongfully dismissed after protesting work for the Israeli government.
DeepMind declined voluntary recognition for collective bargaining but said it would enter Acas discussions, and a company spokesperson said, "We have offered to meet via Acas, which is a standard next step."
The unions say the Acas talks are a concession that management must address serious shopfloor concerns about contracts including links to drone technology and relationships with the US military and the Israeli government, and DeepMind told staff the discussions may lead to a formal ballot in a few months giving eligible employees the opportunity to vote on representation.
